Every Sunday, the Augusta Chronicle's brides look exactly the same. In picture after picture, two bare shoulders sprout over the top of white sausage wrap. I remember when my mom first started noticing this a few years ago, she was appalled, declaring: "In my day, a strapless gown was a big No-No! In fact, the church had a rule that all brides had to have their shoulders covered." Yes, Mom, I can see the beauty in your nostalgia; but, the fact is, this is the 21st century and risque is acceptable if not required. My problem is this: why would a bride want to look like the next? I'll be getting married next year and I vow, along with the marriage vows I'll be taking, to not walk down that aisle in a strapless gown. I don't want to blend in with all those other gals on Sunday. I want to make a statement, do something different. Fabric can be cut in so many ways other than straight across the chest.

And--although I risk sounding like a fuddy-duddy here--the strapless look just doesn't work with the innocence and purity that defines "bride." Even if you have fooled around in the boudoir before wedding day, I feel that a bride has a level of dignity, class and naivete to maintain and embrace. And she can do it all while making a statement about who she is as an individual. I just have trouble believing that everyone of those strapless brides is truly boasting her individuality in those gowns.

And, I find it extremely irksome when I search through Brides.com and other gown sites only to discover that 90 percent of their collection is strapless. It's like these people are telling us what we will wear for our weddings. Apparently, they are selling like hotcakes, otherwise the selection wouldn't be so lopsided. I encourage any women who is preparing to walk up the aisle to take that extra time to find what you want. Don't just pick the strapless because it's the only one there. Find the hidden gems and make it yours!